After going three-and-out on their opening drive, Brebeuf scored touchdowns on their next six possessions to cruise past visiting Shortridge 42-21 Friday night in the 4A Sectional 21 opening round, keeping head coach Matt Geske undefeated in first round playoff games during his seven-year tenure as the Braves head coach. Senior QB Keegan Bouwkamp played his best game of the year, throwing three touchdown passes on 9 for 11 passing for 130 yards, all in the first half. Zeb Cox caught 22 and 11-yard touchdowns from Bouwkamp, and Evan Watson caught the third, a 17-yarder that was the sophomore’s first varsity reception of the season. Jasir King, Jayden Warren and Xavier Bond each had rushing TDs to account for the remainder of Brebeuf’s scoring. The Braves defense, coming off their first shutout of the season in last week’s 33-0 win over Ritter, picked up where they left off, holding a decent Shortridge team (6-3 with a four-game win streak) to two first downs and 54 total yards in the first half. The Blue Devils got a little offense going in the second half, playing against Brebeuf’s JV, but the entire half was played with a running clock, so the final score was a little deceptive. On this night, Brebeuf could have named the final score, but you keep your powder dry when possible if you want to win a Battle Royale like 4A Sectional 21. As well as the team played on offense and defense, the play of the night was from senior Nate Johnson on special teams. Following Warren’s 9-yard TD run to make it 28-0 midway through the second quarter, Johnson nearly beat the football downfield on the following kickoff, tackling Shortridge’s Kyree Robinson-McAllister and stripping/recovering the ball before either player hit the ground. It was so fast that the closest official missed it, like being fooled by a magic trick, but the side judge saw Johnson’s slight-of-football for what it was: a heads-up strip, and the Braves took over deep in Shortridge territory, eleven seconds after their last score. Three plays later, King rumbled 15 yards for the fifth straight touchdown, and it was time to start the bus. The hay was in the barn. Speaking of hay and barns, Brebeuf’s next opponent will be 4A #7-ranked and undefeated Danville. Coach Jamie Comer’s team has had a terrific season, running roughshod over their schedule including their 42-13 dispatching of Lebanon in the other opening game on the top of the Sectional bracket. Danville loves Brebeuf’s football team, and will undoubtedly give Geske’s squad a warm welcome to Hendricks County on Friday night, where the Braves will be decided underdogs. Make the drive to Danville to cheer on your 6-4 Braves, who just might be peaking at the right time to give the undefeated Warriors a great game! Go Braves!